Pick by pick team overview below:
The 2023 NBA Draft is about a week away so let’s identify a few team needs!
Round 1- Welcome to Barclays, the San Antonio Spurs are on the clock!
1. San Antonio Spurs
PG- Branham
SG- Johnson
SF- Vassell
PF- Sochan
C- NEED
The pick: Victor Wembanyama
How do the Spurs build around Wemby will be a million think pieces in by the end of draft night but one thing is already clear- the game matches the hype. The young man has a skillset that couldn’t have landed him in a better environment than Spurs culture. The question now is- Wemby at the 5 spot? I personally don’t love it. His inside out game should probably be harnessed best from the 4 spot allowing him to master all 3 levels of scoring from the floor. Which he will in that structure. The next question then becomes how many veterans do you put around him early? Shame San Antonio didn’t get their hands on Jalen Duren in last years draft. Such a perfect basketball fit next to Victor. Oh well, with Sochan flanking the 4 I think the Spurs have questions to answer long-term but you got Wemby!
2. Charlotte Hornets
PG- Rozier
SG- Ball
SF- Hayward
PF- NEED
C- Williams
The pick: Scoot Henderson
Scrap need for this one. Go and get the guy. Scoot could be a GUY. The frame, game, and confidence to boot says go with Scoot and figure the rest out later. On paper there’s a need at the wing/forward and two in-house players due for a new contract (Bridges/Washington) but here at 2 just go get him. Scoot’s attacking style with the ball in his hands not only puts pressure on the rim to open up shots for others it may also be most ideal to help bring out more activity in the paint from Year 2 Mark Williams and draw defenses down to open up Lamelo’s perimeter shot spacing. Which could lead to a more efficient version of him. Win-win for Charlotte. Not to mention with Ball do for a max extension this summer as well a potential contingency plan falling into the lap of Mitch Kupchak helps.
3. Portland TrailBlazers
PG- Lillard
SG- Simons
SF- Reddish
PF- NEED
C- Nurkic
The pick: 🚨TRADE🚨
Another team should be making this pick come draft night. And until I see a noti that Dame plays for a new team I think it’s fair to expect as much despite many, including myself, who see a perfect path for a mutual split between player and organization. For kick let’s assume the Toronto Raptors are making this pick because Siakam and OG are Blazers. I think Masai goes wildcard- Ausar Thompson. Brandon Miller would seem the easy pick of course but i’d like to think the Raptors front office may opt for longer term potential this high and go with the guy who may very well end up the most complete guard of this draft class down the line. High praise sure but Ausar has the size, speed, athleticism, and leadership qualities that lend to this notion not being so far-fetched. And with Fred VanVleet set to test his market I would not be surprised to see Toronto go with the Thompson twin who more likely could develop into a true shooter.
4. Houston Rockets
PG- NEED
SG- Green
SF- Eason
PF- Smith Jr.
C- Sengun
The pick: Brandon Miller
The advantage of the board falling this way for Rafael Stone is that Brandon fits either roster of two- built around James Harden or built for youth. Although I doubt it would gain much traction, a phone call to Brooklyn while the spotlight is on and offering Sean Marks the draft rights to Brandon Miller and all of the Nets picks/swaps back from the Harden deal in exchange for Mikal Bridges would have to be at-least enticing enough to ponder. But if not Houston gets a tall wing with shooting prowess and the potential to be a high level scorer who I think will be motivated beyond measure to finally get into his professional craft and start the tangible process of moving forward from the well documented incident at Bama.
5. Detroit Pistons
PG- Cunningham
SG- Ivey
SF- Bogdanović
PF- NEED
C- Duren
The pick: Jarace Walker
Troy Weaver has quietly aced the test the past few years and continues to do so here. Whether Jarace is the actual pick or not I think Troy has shown a shrewd ability to be both lucky (Ivey falling to 5th) and good (the heist of Jalen Duren) which bodes well for Monty Williams and the motor city. But let’s say it is Walker. Here’s a chance for the Pistons to add a swiss army chess piece wing who can shoot, pass, and dribble to an already exciting core group developing. I’d say go for it and hope a value pick player slides down into pick #31 and now you have yourselves a complete rebuild with cap space to bring in vets and compete. Nice!
6. Orlando Magic
PG- Fultz
SG- NEED
SF- Wagner
PF- Banchero
C- Carter
The pick: Amen Thompson
If this young man puts it all together, look out. All bets are off. For a young Magic team with it’s cornerstones already in place with Paolo and Franz the best player available metric sees the Orlando squad that may surprise many and scratch the top 8 next season add a player with as much potential upside as any in this class. And with Markelle, Jalen Suggs, and Cole Anthony already in place to take up the bulk of rotation minutes, bringing Amen along steadily without the premature pressure of high inefficient usage on ball could bring out the best intangibles in the player early on. And if realized, Amen at his best alongside Banchero and Wagner means it won’t be long before the Orlando Magic are in the mix again.
7. Indiana Pacers
PG- Haliburton
SG- Mathurin
SF- NEED
PF- Smith
C- Turner
The pick: Cam Whitmore
This young man’s explosive athleticism in transition with a table-setter like Hali and a stretch 5 like Myles means it may not be long before Cam Whitmore is a household name amongst the NBA family worldwide. One could argue their is an even better basketball fit still on the board for Indiana (Taylor Hendricks) and I couldn’t disagree I just lean into the idea that the Pacers won’t think twice here and will opt for the tantalizing prospect of putting butts in seats with exciting plays. Whitmore at the very least gives optimism towards that goal while also possessing the ability to develop into a NBA level scorer with the ball in his hands with time. Two more swings at it later in this round says go get your guy early.
8. Washington Wizards
PG- NEED
SG- Beal
SF- Kuzma
PF- Porzingis
C- Gafford
The pick: Anthony Black
Anthony Black should be the pick here no matter the route the new front office regime in D.C. opts to go for. As a tall ball-handler who can work into ball screens and shoot, drive, or pass this Wizards team will need Black’s skillset either way. Much like Ausar, the Arkansas Razor point guard could blossom into a complete two-way player with a versatile matchup capability on both sides as he adds to his arsenal. This team appears to be in a bit of a pickle at present and should probably start over so projecting any specified role for him now seems premature.
9. Utah Jazz
PG- Sexton
SG- Agbaji
SF- NEED
PF- Markkanen
C- Kessler
The pick: Gradey Dick
There’s just no way Danny can resist here right? Helps that the basketball fit for this rebuilding roster just means the card should be in for this one quite swiftly. Gradey as a + 6’7 wing with elite shooting mechanics and the skills to put the ball on the floor and grow into a playmaker screams Gordon Hayward and I just don’t see Ainge punting on an opportunity to add this specific hoop archetype. And next to Lauri that’s a lot of spacing potential with two knockdown marksmen on the floor at the same time. With Kessler’s emergence Utah’s rebuild could be a very fruitful one at the end of the road. Or, here’s a wildcard- Dame Time soon?
10. Dallas Mavericks
PG- Luka
SG- Kyrie
SF- Bullock
PF- NEED
C- McGee
The pick: Taylor Hendricks
Technically, the need designation belongs to every slot on the board outside of Luka Doncic for this Dallas team. And until Kyrie Irving is on the dotted line he probably shouldn’t be penciled in either but for this exercise assuming his future rest in Dallas the draft approach is simple. Wings that can shoot, defend, switch, and swing the leather are all the Mavericks should be targeting and fortunately for them at pick ten Hendricks fits the bill to a tee. There are several perfect team/player marriages on the draft board and this is one of them. Should Hendricks end up available here Nico Harrison should call it in and call it a night.
11. Orlando Magic
PG- Fultz
SG- NEED
SF- Wagner
PF- Banchero
C- Carter
The pick: 🚨TRADE🚨
For a young team on the brink of being competitive why add two more rookies to the mix when you can do a deal with the Spurs? In this write-up the suggestion is that R.C. Buford targets Bilal Coulibaly to pair with his fellow frenchman who went #1 earlier in this draft and would bring instant continuity on the floor to San Antonio’s next franchise cornerstone. In exchange, Orlando acquires Keldon Johnson to fill a need for a wing scorer. A big guard who fills the timeline of the Magic’s core as a legitimate contributor ready to help a playoff push while also being young enough to offer legitimate upside as a developing player entering his prime. It almost makes too much sense…sounds like a win-win to me. Call it in!
12. Oklahoma City Thunder
PG- Gilgeous-Alexander
SG- Dort
SF- Giddey
PF- Holmgren
C- NEED
The pick: Derek Lively
Sam Presti and the entire OKC front office have once again done a phenomenal job building a young team full of promise through the slow grind of losing until you’ve added enough really good players. The old reliable “stay down till you come up” motto. Though Steve Ballmer’s desperation to acquire Paul George and secure Kawhi Leonard’s services in exchange for Shai can only help matters of course. But a gripe I held and still hold was Presti simply conceding Jalen Duren to Detroit. Feels like a big miss in retrospect as the pairing with him and Chet stood on the table for the taking and yet some over-analysis paralysis may have occurred there. Maybe not, time will tell. Just my 2cents on the subject. Well, nonetheless here lies an opportunity to correct the math with a lively young fella who like Duren, will make a good living in this league out of playing above the rim on both ends. And with Lively’s promising shot mechanics on display as of late the fit alongside Chet allowing both to be interchangeable 7 foot targets for Josh Giddey- sign me up League Pass, i’d watch that. Lively keeps Chet a 4 to help into the paint and block/deter shots without having to throw a thin frame around down there night to night; which could help bring out the best in him as well.
13. Toronto Raptors
PG- NEED
SG- Anunoby
SF- Barnes
PF- Siakam
C- Poetl
The pick: Cason Wallace
For now there is no trade involving the Raptors and Blazers so the pick will be made with the roster construction as-is in mind. Enter the best perimeter defender on-ball in this draft class for my 2cents. Cason Wallace’s intensity on the defensive end of the floor really pops off of the screen man. Made even more impressive by the absence of theatrics to sell the viewer on what they’re seeing like many other guards more prominently known for their defensive prowess. I get the feeling this young man is just going to bring the lunchpail every day for whichever team his career begins with and at this point in the back of the draft lottery you probably just don’t want to be a team that passes on a bankable translating skillset like Cason’s ability to take and make shots and get back on the other end to make scoring hard for the other team’s best guys. I’m sure Scottie Barnes would thrive among the infectious zeal of having a teammate like Wallace who unlike the elite OG Anunoby, isn’t a positional redundancy and would allow Scottie to focus on guarding big forwards on one end and would play off of the ball more willingly to bring out the playmaker in the Raptors point forward. 👍🏽
14. New Orleans Pelicans
PG- McCollum
SG- NEED
SF- Ingram
PF- Williamson
C- Valanciunas
The pick: Jordan Hawkins
While some Zion Williamson insurance would certainly apply here considering the lengthy injury history and uncertainty of future availability on a consistent basis to a degree, the board is the board and a floor spacer like Hawkins is something you just don’t pass up on for a team that sees a lot of it’s offense ran through ball-stopping downhill attack style forwards. Shooters to extend the defense in Orleans will always be critical for a Zion/B.I. led team and Hawkins fits the mold. Not to mention if he’s the real deal as advertised on the next level the type of gravity his moving presence could pull away from Zion would be telling.
15. Atlanta Hawks
PG- Young
SG- Murray
SF- Hunter
PF- Collins
C- Capela
The pick: Nick Smith Jr.
This team is getting broken up. No way around that at this point therefore the pick is made here presumably with the likelihood considered that one or both of Young/Murray will be elsewhere come late September. Enter Smith Jr., a combo guard with measurables that actually resemble the physical tools of Dejounte Murray. Taking him here to pair with second year guard AJ Griffin and offset the unceremonious exit of a marquee lead ball-handler and perhaps the writing is on the wall for the direction Atlanta goes in. Make what you will of the Klutch Sports ties and this pick begins to seem a bit pre-destined should the board fall this way and Smith Jr. is there for the taking. When healthy this kid has pop to his game.
16. Utah Jazz
PG-Sexton
SG- NEED
SF- Dick
PF- Markkanen
C- Kessler
The pick: Keyonte George
Jordan Clarkson should go play for a contender and help put a good team over the top with his uncanny knack for bunch scoring off of the bench and often flame throwing volume at times. Which can really swing a game when he’s on. And the Jazz should ensure that reality by drafting his younger replacement to come in and do this exact thing for their team. Keyonte George is going to have nights that absolutely ignite the crowd for better or worse and with so many picks and far less expectations outside of Salt Lake, Danny Ainge can take a swing here.
17. Los Angeles Lakers
PG- NEED
SG- Reaves
SF- James
PF- Vanderbilt
C- Davis
The pick: Leonard Miller
Ideally for LA and Rob Pelinka this pick is being made as part of a mega deal that brings back someone with more pizazz and spice than an incoming rookie for a Year 21 LeBron James led team. Outside of the splashy move motto of the purple and gold movers and shakers, best potential available should likely be the play here and Leonard Miller standing tall and talented with all types of upside is a guy for LA that you just pick and let develop with an eye toward a future that doesn’t involve King James. Fortunately the scouting departments eye for talent of that organization over the years has produced many hits so Laker nation can sleep well at night leading up to June 22nd should LA make this pick. Another option for kicks could be to trade back into the late first round with the same approach in mind and opt for a Bobi Klintman type jeweled diamond in the rough.
18. Miami Heat
PG- NEED
SG- Herro
SF- Butler
PF- Love
C- Adebayo
The pick: Jett Howard
For a team currently playing in the NBA Finals, roster turnover seems imminent one way or another. For starters, a few starters for this team may price themselves out of town with their own play and secondly the team as constructed is far more of an overachiever than the results to this point suggest. As we all know Damian Lillard has been less than subtle in reference to the Heat specifically of late and the window to win now with Jimmy Butler means this pick could be on the move. But if it’s not, you have to imagine one of those Michigan Wolverines are headed to South Beach with their talents right? For this projection I went with Jett over Bufkin. Partially with the notion a more seasoned PG would serve Miami better right now and partially due to the fact Miami needs big wings that can shoot and play the type of 3&D role sorely lacking for this team right now on the biggest stage. Consider all of that with Juwan’s obvious ties and I say Jett Jett Jett for Spo.
19. Golden St. Warriors
PG- Curry
SG- Thompson
SF- Wiggins
PF- Green
C- Looney
The pick: Noah Clowney
Here is another Leonard Miller landing spot should he make it to pick 19 but the pick here is Noah Clowney. A young big with inside/out functionality and a great motor for Kerr and staff to work with right out of the gate. Deploying a small ball five like Clowney to keep Draymond’s activity on both ends at this stage closer to his wheelhouse with an open floor to drive and kick on one end and out of the paint guarding bigs on the other, would be ideal. And, continuing the attempt to inject youth into that dynastic rotation will be the challenge of any GM stepping into the big shoes of Bob Myers departure. Noah is another step in that direction.
20. Houston Rockets
PG- NEED
SG- Green
SF- Miller
PF- Smith Jr.
C- Sengun
The pick: Kobe Bufkin
Even if you sign James Harden draft Kobe. I repeat- even if you sign James Harden draft Kobe. I’ll admit I don’t see Bufkin lasting to the 20th pick but should he and the board just falls this way Houston gets a steal at a position of need. Bufkin possesses many of the favorable qualities a fellow Michigan guard held coming out. And like Poole his positional size, shiftiness, wiggle with the dribble, and improving play all point toward a guy with untapped upside still left to be cultured and brought out of him. And unlike Poole, this kid guards guards!
21. Brooklyn Nets
PG- NEED
SG- Bridges
SF- Johnson
PF- Finney-Smith
C- Claxton
The pick: Jalen Hood-Schifino
Team full of wings? Take the big guard and don’t look back. Perhaps Sean Marks finds a safe place to land for Cam Thomas and brings in Hood-Schifino to man that spot. Not a bad pivot at all. Hood-Schifino’s height-weight measurables and league ready size and strength will likely have him in the rotation from day 1. And should all go well early on maybe even a promotion into the first five ahead of Dinwiddie and Ben Simmons. Somebody has to say it, i’ll say it- Deron Williams?
22. Brooklyn Nets
PG- NEED
SG- Bridges
SF- Johnson
PF- Finney-Smith
C- Claxton
The pick: Sidy Cissoko
Sidy brings a lot of what Ben Simmons brought to Philadelphia early on his career. However, the uncertainty around Simmons of late frankly suggest it may be wise for Sean Marks to double down on the playmaker/ballhandler crop of this years talent pool. And with back to back picks here I say why not double-dip with two big guards and play the odds that one if not both will hit and soon grow into a starter for this rangy wing-heavy roster. Or both of these picks will be moved.
23. Portland TrailBlazers
PG- Lillard
SG- Simons
SF-Reddish
PF- NEED
C- Nurkic
The pick: GG Jackson
Assuming Portland actually makes this pick and opts for a retool around Shaedon Sharpe taking a swing for long-term dividends easily becomes the formula at this point in round one so 18 year old prospect GG Jackson makes a ton of sense here. Whether Dame stays or not I do think there’s a pretty decent chance Jerami Grant will seek greener pastures elsewhere leaving a big target of need on the board to draft with upside being the draw. Jackson as a reclassified once heralded 5 star talent will take time developing. Which Portland will have plenty of if Dame goes.
24. Sacramento Kings
PG- Fox
SG- Huerter
SF- Murray
PF- NEED
C- Sabonis
The pick: Kris Murray
If he’s there for the taking you have to imagine the Sacramento brass will not be able to resist. Harrison Barnes figures to leave a big void on the wing that Kris Murray should be able to come in right away and help fill. In fact, a lot of the checked boxes for Harrison as a player are reasonable to expect from Murray from day one as a floor-stretching wing who helps open the gaps for Fox. Teamed with the added gravy of being Keegan Murray’s twin brother. The team stands to gain from the basketball fit. The fanbase will enjoy the marketing around it. And the front office lands a cost controlled rotation player to price out an aging vet. Poetic.
25. Memphis Grizzlies
PG- Morant
SG- Bane
SF- NEED
PF- Jackson
C- Adams
The pick: Brice Sensabaugh
Scoring on the wing is the number one priority heading into this draft and the off-season with the understanding this team will play a big chunk of the season out without Ja Morant. Brice Sensabaugh should crack the rotation early with his uncanny ability to put the ball on the floor and get into that in-between game bag of moves which best utilizes his big wide frame at the basket as well as the premise that Brice will be able to switch defensively and give the Grizz a stopper.
26. Indiana Pacers
PG- Haliburton
SG- Mathurin
SF- Whitmore
PF- NEED
C- Turner
The pick: James Nnaji
Somebody is going to come up and get a pick into this back end of the 1st round to secure a full rookie scale contractual term for 18 year old James Nnaji. For this exercise we will assume the pick is in for Indiana. Myles Turner will always be a topic of trade scuttlebutt until he is not i’m convinced. Young athletic prospects to build around your Haliburton centerpiece is the thought here. In two or three years James Nnaji could round into form as a Clint Capela type rim-runner for one of the best up and coming passers in the league. If not Indy somebody will.
27. Charlotte Hornets
PG- Henderson
SG- Ball
SF- Hayward
PF- NEED
C- Williams
The pick: Maxwell Lewis
Gordon Hayward enters the off-season on an expiring deal and may not even be on the team come October should the latest rumors involving the #2 pick bear fruit, Gordon’s contract will likely be in the transaction so enter Maxwell Lewis. 3&D archetype build style to put on the wings and guard whoever LaMelo isn’t.
28. Utah Jazz
PG- Sexton
SG- Agbaji
SF- Dick
PF- Markkanen
C- Kessler
The pick: Rayan Rupert
Danny Ainge doesn’t get Wemby but he’s leaving with something from France. The something happens to be a young wing with a freakish wingspan who offers tons of intrigue around a versatility his mold could yield in time- Mikal Bridges?
29. Indiana Pacers
PG- Haliburton
SG- Mathurin
SF- Whitmore
PF- NEED
C- Turner
The pick: Trayce Jackson-Davis
I want to doubt Indiana will actually make three picks in the first round but should they the objective of business comes into play with this one and Indiana adds a beloved big to play the four spot who is well known around those parts as a college star. On the court the Pacers get a seasoned ready to contribute role player.
30. Los Angeles Clippers
PG- NEED
SG- Leonard
SF- George
PF- Morris
C- Zubac
The pick: Jaime Jacquez Jr.
The Clippers have all the reason in the world to pounce on homegrown fan favorite Jacquez if available. The do everything and ready to play now versatile forward brings a consistency in effort and dirty work high level energy that would win over that building night in and night out. Specifically during the dog day cauldrons of a long 82 game season that too often for them sees this Clippers team have to play without its two best players. Jacquez fills a basketball need as well as an emotional rally role for a team that has underachieved and not always brought the best effort and activity levels beginning to end, he does that. Win-win.
Okay thats Round 1. June 22nd the NBA goes on the clock! Should be fun. 🍿
Until next time-
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